Unesco director-general vows to defend Great Barrier Reef

Unesco director-general Irina Bokova said a coal ship that ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast of Australia did not cause damage. The reef is a listed World Heritage site. But Ms Bokova told reporters yesterday that the UN...

Unesco director-general Irina Bokova said a coal ship that ran aground on the Great Barrier Reef off the northeast coast of Australia did not cause damage.

The reef is a listed World Heritage site.

But Ms Bokova told reporters yesterday that the UN agency will intervene with "strong messages" if it sees that there is danger from increasing coal exports to China.

A Chinese bulk carrier strayed from a shipping lane and crashed into the reef last month, leaking tons of oil and causing a coral scar which experts say may take 20 years to heal.

The reef was made a World Heritage site in 1981 for its natural beauty, biodiversity and scientific importance.

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